Kenshin sat on the dojo porch, the rain falling hard. He sighed...common afternoon storms made him uneasy. It reminded him of his past, his hitokiri day's...and Tomoe. Even now he was surprised she still came to mind. Kenshin sighed, with this rain the festival might even be canceled if it rained like this. ' The festival...it's in two day now...okasan and I have to go shop for the ring once it stops raining. And Kaoru...she's still sick...' Kenshin shook his head, and then felt a pair of hands on his shoulders. He looked up, violet eyes curious. Kaoru's pale face smiled at him. "Mind if I join you?" Kenshin swallowed. "You should be in bed...." Kaoru ignored his comment and took a seat next to him, drawing her legs up and resting her chin on them.
Kenshin looked at her profile, her head was turned toward the storming sky. "I remember the night my mother died...every time it storms...." Kenshin blinked ' Why is she telling me this? ' Kaoru leaned forward more on her legs. " It was storming...I was terrified of thunder storms when I was little. Okasan would always come in and sleep with me, so I wouldn't be afraid. It was raining that night...and I was afraid, but...this time Okasan wasn't there to hold me and tell me it was alright." Kenshin's eyes widened slightly as a tear fell down her face...followed by many others.
Kaoru looked down...eyes filled with emotion. "My father came in and saw me crying...I remember his words, how he spoke them. He was angry, angry at me, angry at himself....at Okasan...he told me it was time for me to grow up and stop crying. So, I did. I grew up that night and I faced the storms. But...then he left as well..." Kaoru stood and began walking out into the rain. Kenshin stood worried and called her name. Kenshin only watched in amazement as she spread her arms out and threw her head back. The rain mixing with her tears...her hair falling from its ribbon. Kenshin went out to her worried. "Your sick...you shouldn't be out of bed...out in this rain."
Kaoru looked at him...eyes dull. "Promise me...you won't leave me like they left. Tell me it's ok to cry when it rains..." Kenshin nodded. "I promise...." Kaoru nodded lightly...before fainting.
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Kenshin walked next to Naomi...head downcast. ' I hope Kaoru's alright...I know Gensai is one of the best doctors in all of Tokyo but...still...' Naomi looked at her son's face and sighed. "Shinta...please cheer up. Kaoru-dono will be fine...I promise." Kenshin sighed. "Okasan...I really think we should call this whole thing off..." Naomi waved her hand at him. "Shinta...TRUST me...everything will work out fine. Now...we must hurry, Tae-dono is waiting for us. She's going to accompany us today on our ring hunt." Kenshin shook his head. "Hai..."
Tae met the mother and son outside the Akabeko, a smile on her face and a package in hand. "Nice to see you again Naomi! Oh...! Ken-san...is for Kaoru-chan..." Kenshin took the package, only to assume the gift was Kaoru's favorite treats. Naomi smiled. "Well...shall we begin before it gets late?" Tae nodded "Hai...we don't have a lot of time, that storm lasted longer than I thought." They trio looked though shop windows, and vendors stands for what seemed like hours. The whole time Kenshin only thought of Kaoru.
Eventually they passed the clinic, and Kenshin turned toward Naomi. "Okasan...I'm going to go talk to Gensai and see how Kaoru is." Naomi nodded. "Alright Shinta...we'll be down the road not too far." Kenshin smiled and entered the clinic. Looking around he called Gensai's name. In no time the old man stepped out. "Ah...Ken-san nice to see you. I'm sure your here to check on Kaoru-chan." Kenshin nodded as Gensai signaled for him to sit. "Well...her cold is now officially a flu. I gave her some medication and had Megumi take her back at the dojo to rest. She should be better in a few days." Kenshin nodded. "Earlier today she ended up in the rain...she was talking about her mother...I've never seen her that upset." Gensai sighed and shook his head. "Kaoru-chan gets like that....it's hard to explain." Kenshin nodded. "Gensai-sensei...can I ask you something?" "Of course Ken-san..." Kenshin looked down. " I....I want to marry Kaoru..."
Gensai smiled happily. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Having you around as made her so happy. She's not so lonely anymore...and I believe you would make a great husband to her. I just have one request." "Hai Gensai..?" Gensai then stood and walked toward the bookshelf on the other side of the room. He picked up and beautiful blue covered box and sat back down. "I want you to propose to her with this...." Gensai opened the box to reveal a silver ring that had some sort of engraving on it. Kenshin looked at Gensai confused. "Where did you find this Gensai-sensei? Its beautiful...more than any of the other rings I've seen..." Gensai smiled. "This was the ring Kaoru-chan's mother left to me for her..." Gensai smiled at the memory....
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Gensai covered the weak women and sat back. "Kikari...gomen..." Kikari nodded tiredly. "It's alright Gensai...I know what's coming." Kikari turned her head toward the open door and watched as a small Kaoru chased a butterfly. "I just wish I didn't have to leave her so soon...I hope she'll be able to forgive me someday..." Gensai nodded. "She will...I know she will. I'll make sure she'll never forget you..." Kikari took a small box from her sleeve and handed it to Gensai. "When the time is right...give this to her. It's my last request....I was hoping to give it to her myself, but it looks as if I won't be able to." Gensai took the box and opened it to reveal a silver ring....with the word "Aishiteru" engraved on it.
"When the right man comes for Kaoru...this is what I want him to propose to her with." Gensai nodded solemnly. "Hai...I will make sure your request is granted..." The room fell silent as Kikari's eyes shut for the final time...a lone tear sliding down her face. The silence was interrupted by Kaoru's heart broken scream.
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Kenshin took the box from Kenshin and looked at the ring. Looking at the engraving he smiled. "Gensai...could I add something to this engraving perhaps?" Gensai raised an eyebrow and them smiled. "I don't see why not...what ever you have in mind will make Kaoru-chan even more happy." Kenshin nodded before standing and bowing to Gensai. "Thank you...for the ring. I'm sure Kaoru will be at a lose for words..." Kenshin then excused himself and walked out of the clinic. Gensai smiled and turned toward the bookshelf eyes resting on an old picture. "Kikari...I hope your happy with the man Kaoru-chan loves..."
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After meeting back up with Naomi and Tae they agreed to look one last time tomorrow for a ring before the festival. Tae bid the two good bye and headed home, as did Naomi and Kenshin. Kenshin followed Naomi most of the way...but then stopped suddenly. Naomi turned to look at her son...only to see him leaned against the bridge railing looking at the setting sun. "Shinta...? What's wrong?..." Kenshin shook his head. "We don't need to look for a ring tomorrow...I have one.." Kenshin reached in his sleeve and retrieved the box. He opened it and Naomi smiled. "Shinta...that's a beautiful ring...but why THIS ring?" "It's Kaoru's mothers last request...and, I think its perfect for her."
Naomi thought for a moment. "well...if it was her mothers last request, then I say we grant it. Kaoru-dono will love it. Now...I have something for you.." Kenshin tilted his head in surprise and watched as Naomi handed him a rapped package. Kenshin opened the package and his eyes widen. ' This is the kimono...the one I wanted for Kaoru...' His eyes shot up to look at Naomi. "Okasan...why did you buy this?" Naomi smiled. "I knew how much you wanted this for Kaoru-dono...so...I bought it for you to give to her. She'll look lovely at the festival in it..." Kenshin smiled and shook his head. "Thank you so much Okasan...I can't wait to give it to her....It's getting dark...lets head home." Naomi smiled "Yes...."
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Kenshin padded softly down the dojo's hallways...the moon casting his shadow against the walls. It was late, probably around 1am....but he didn't care. Finally he reached a door, and slid it open quietly. He took a moment to adjust to the rooms darkness before his eyes fell upon the sleeping figure. Quietly he took a seat next to the futon. Kenshin sighed remembering Megumi's words...
' She needs to stay in bed for at least another day and a half...prepare the tea I gave you and give it to her in the morning....Hopefully if all goes well...she'll be up and fine for the festival...'
But Kenshin knew better. He shook his head and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. ' I've been so busy lately I've neglected you....gomen Kaoru. I just hope you'll be alright in time for the festival...I want everything to be perfect...' Kenshin smiled lovingly at her as she unconsciously whispered his name. "Shh....it's alright koishii...I'm here..." And for the second night that week, Kenshin slept peaceful next to the one he loved.
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A/N- WOO!! Another chapter done! I just love WAFF...it's such a wonderful creation!! All of you who have reviewed so far, thank you SOOOO much! I love you all to bits!! Stay tuned for the next chapter coming soon! Well...Till Next Time...JA! =^.^=
~Kawaii Ayame~
